stems of my squash plants are black???
Question by zach m: stems of my squash plants are black???
my stems, where they meet the dirt, on my squash plants have turned black. i dont know what happened but can someone help me?
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2 Responses to stems of my squash plants are black???
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IT could be stem rot fungus.
There’s no cure for it. However, in the future keep the fruit off the ground (avoid direct contact with the moist soil) by placing the fruit in plastic bowls.
Connie G
July 21, 2013 at 2:43 am
A common problem with summer squash is the rotting of the blossom end of the fruit, called blossom-end rot. The main symptom is a dark-colored dry rot of the blossom end of the fruit. Blossom-end rot is caused by a lack of calcium in the developing fruit. It may be an indication that calcium is lacking in the soil or that the plant does not have the ability to take up adequate amounts of calcium from the soil. The following measures will help prevent blossom-end rot:
Test the soil and apply the recommended amount of lime before planting.
Mulch with 2 to 3 inches of materials such as grass clippings, pine straw and leaves. Mulching prevents rapid soil drying and allows roots to take up available calcium efficiently.
Do not overfertilize plants with nitrogen or potash. Excessive amounts of these nutrients depress the uptake of calcium.
Water plants during extended dry periods.
Add organic matter to the soil. This will help “loosen” clay soils and will improve the waterholding capacity of sandy soils. In either soil, organic matter will increase plant uptake of water and calcium.
Grow squash in raised beds to improve drainage. (Do not grow squash in raised beds in the sandy Central region.)
Squash have separate male and female flowers on the same plant, and pollen must be transferred from the male flowers to the female flowers by bees. Poor pollination can result in improperly shaped fruit. Observe plants closely when blooming begins to determine if bees are present. Use insecticides late in the evening to prevent killing bees. Good Luck!
awesomeernie
July 21, 2013 at 3:20 am